Mansour Karimian, a distinguished Kurdish filmmaker originally from Sine (Sînê) in Iranian Kurdistan, was reportedly killed in the ongoing Turkish military offensive against North and East Syria, specifically in the city of Qamishli (Qamişlo). Karimian was in the area working on a new documentary. His death marks a significant loss to the Kurdish film industry, as he was instrumental in the production of influential television series such as Tava Sor and Evina Kurd.
Karimian’s career was notable for its dedication to advancing Kurdish cinema across borders, having worked in various Kurdish-majority cities including Kobani (Kobanê), Sinjar (Şengal), and Qamishli. His commitment to his craft earned him widespread respect and admiration, both as a filmmaker and a patriotic artist.
The Turkish military aggression, which has been ongoing since 23 December across North and East Syria, has targeted various civilian facilities, including healthcare establishments, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. In Qamishli alone, medical sources reported critical conditions of three individuals following the bombardment. The Turkish onslaught has not only affected human lives but also damaged vital infrastructure, including grain silos, oil stations and a printing press in western Qamishli.
This recent wave of attacks, which includes the airstrike that resulted in Karimian’s death, is asserted by Turkey as a response to losses sustained in operations against the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). However, Syrian Kurdish leaders, including Aldar Khalil of the Democratic Union Party (PYD), have categorically denied any organisational link to the PKK. This distinction is crucial, as Syrian Kurds, while acknowledging philosophical influences from Abdullah Öcalan, emphasise their separate identity and governance approach in North and East Syria (Rojava). Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, nevertheless, continues to equate Syrian Kurdish entities with the PKK, a stance that has led to significant geopolitical tensions and the current spate of military actions in the region. He had previously vowed to target both northern Syria and Iraq in response to these losses. The extensive strikes have targeted critical facilities, leading to a rising death toll and severe infrastructure damage across North and East Syria.
As the region grapples with the aftermath of these relentless air strikes, the death toll continues to rise, heightening concerns and sparking widespread public outrage. Thousands have taken to the streets in Qamishli to protest the attacks, voicing strong opposition to Turkey’s aggressive actions.
Political leaders in the region have condemned the bombardment as a blatant violation of international law, with the deliberate targeting of civilian infrastructure amounting to war crimes. Major cities across North and East Syria have witnessed demonstrations against Turkey’s military actions, with the Rojava Information Centre (RIC) actively providing updates and insights on the situation.
